Somatic stem cells

ABSTRACT

Described herein is a method of treating a disorder, the method comprising: administering to a subject in need thereof a composition that contains a population of somatic stem cells that are 0.3-6.0 micrometers in size and CD9+, CD349+, CD133−, CD90−, CD34−, SSEA1+, SSEA4+, CD13+, or Stro1+, wherein the disorder is selected from the group consisting of a neurodegenerative disease, nervous system disorder, cancer, metabolic disorder, autoimmune disorder, inflammatory disorder, heart or circulatory disorder, blood disorder, muscular dystrophy, gastrointestinal disease, kidney disease, liver disease, lung disease, adrenal disorder, a condition resulting from an injury, a condition associated with aging, and virus infection.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.14/740,816, filed on Jun. 16, 2015, which is a continuation of U.S.application Ser. No. 13/895,733, filed on May 16, 2013, now U.S. Pat.No. 9,072,719, which is a division of U.S. application Ser. No.13/366,906, filed on Feb. 6, 2012, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,679,474, which isa continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No. 13/198,181, filed onAug. 4, 2011, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,623,642, which claims priority to U.S.Provisional Application No. 61/370,600, filed on Aug. 4, 2010; U.S.Provisional Application No. 61/383,842, filed on Sep. 17, 2010; and U.S.Provisional Application No. 61/446,669, filed on Feb. 25, 2011. Thecontents of all prior applications are incorporated herein by referencein their entirety.

BACKGROUND

Stem cells are pluripotent or totipotent cells that can differentiate invivo or in vitro into many or all cell lineages. Due to theirpluripotency, embryonic stem (ES) cells are believed to hold a greatpromise for treating degenerative or inherited diseases. Yet, ethicalconsiderations have hampered the use of human ES cells. Stem cells of anon-embryonic origin would circumvent this obstacle. Thus, there is aneed for non-embryonic stem cells.

SUMMARY

This invention relates to somatic stem cells, either pluripotent ortotipotent, and related methods.

One aspect of this invention features an isolated somatic stem cell thatis 0.3-6.0 micrometer in size (e.g., 0.3-5.0, 0.3-4.0, and 0.3-3.0micrometers in size) and is CD9+. The isolated somatic stem cell can beCD9+CD349+ or CD9+CD349−. The sign “+” following a cell marker standsfor a higher fluorescent staining with a marker-specific antibody, ascompared to a lower fluorescent staining with an isotype control of theantibody. The sign “−” following a cell marker stands for the samefluorescent staining with a marker-specific antibody as that with anisotype control of the antibody. In one embodiment, the isolated somaticstem cell is non-adherent. This cell is named “SB-1 cell” herein.

In another aspect, this invention features an isolated somatic stem cellthat is 0.3-6.0 micrometer in size (e.g., 0.3-5.0, 0.3-4.0, and 0.3-3.0micrometers in size) and is SSEA1+, SSEA4+, CD13+, or Stro1+. In oneembodiment, the isolated somatic stem cell is non-adherent. This cell isnamed “SB-2 cell” herein.

In still another aspect, the invention features a method of preparing apopulation of somatic stem cells. The method includes obtaining from asubject (e.g., a human or non-human) a bodily fluid sample (e.g., blood,bone marrow, umbilical cord blood, menstrual fluid, and amniotic fluid)containing a plurality of cells, incubating the sample with a divalentcation chelating agent (e.g., EDTA, EGTA, and sodium citrate) or heparinin a container until the sample is separated into an upper layer and alower layer, collecting the upper layer, and isolating from the upperlayer a population of somatic stem cells that are 0.3-6.0 micrometers insize (e.g., 0.3-5.0, 0.3-4.0, and 0.3-3.0 micrometers in size). The cellpopulation in the upper layer is named “SB cells” or “a SB cellpopulation” herein.

The somatic stem cells in the SB cell population can be CD9+, SSEA1+,SSEA4+, CD13+, or Stro1+. For example, they can be CD9+CD349+. Thesesomatic stem cells are not adherent cells and can have bothmorphological and growth characteristics of a zygote cell. Further, theycan be induced to form all three germ layers, i.e., endoderm, ectoderm,and mesoderm.

The isolation of SB cells from the upper layer can be conducted bymethods based on cell sizes (e.g., centrifuging and filtering) or thosebased on cell surface markers (e.g., flow cytometry).

The method can further include, after the upper layer has beencollected, incubating it with ADP so as to allowplatelets/microparticles to precipitate for further enrichment of thestem cells. In addition, it can also include incubating the upper layerobtained from a heparin-treated sample with a divalent cation chelatingagent to activate the cell cycle of the stem cells from G0 into G1.

In a further aspect, the invention features the SB cell populationprepared by the method described above.

In a yet another aspect, the invention features a cell bank including aplurality of populations of somatic stem cells. The populations areseparately prepared from bodily fluid samples, e.g., blood and bonemarrow, from different subjects by the above-described method.

The invention further features a method of increasing the number of stemcells contained in a sample. The method includes adding a divalentcation chelating agent to the sample and incubating the stem cells inthe sample with the divalent cation chelating agent. The method canfurther include determining the counts of the cells of interest (e.g.,SB-1 cells, SB-2 cells, and both SB-1 cells and SB2 cells) in the sampleboth before addition of a chelating agent and after incubation of thecells with the chelating agent. Examples of the stem cells to be testedby this method include stem cells in a SB population, e.g., SB-1 cells.

Also within the scope of this invention is a method of evaluating asubject for a risk of having an ageing-related disorder or cancer. Theexamples of the ageing-related disorder include a self-repair defect, adegenerative disease, an autoimmune disease, a cardiovascular disease,and diabetes. The method includes obtaining a population of certainsomatic stem cells from a subject and determining the count of thesomatic stem cells. The obtained somatic stem cells can be SB-1 cells orSB-2 cells. They can be CD9+, CD349+, SSEA1+, SSEA4+, CD13+, or Stro1+.They are each 0.3-6.0 micrometer in size. Stem cells in a SB populationcan be obtained by the method described above, preferably using heparinfor separation of a bodily fluid sample into an upper layer and a lowerlayer.

The subject is determined to have a risk of having the disorder if thecount is below a first predetermined value or to have a risk of havingcancer if the count is above a second predetermined value. The firstvalue can be obtained from a first control subject that is young andhealthy. The second value can be obtained from a second control subjectthat has cancer.

The invention also includes a method for increasing the number ofsomatic stem cells in a subject. This method includes administering to asubject in need thereof an effective amount of the somatic stem cells ina SB cell population. The respective counts of the cells of interest(such as SB-1 cells) both before and after the administration can bedetermined in samples (e.g., blood and bone marrow) from the subject. Asan example, to practice this method, somatic stem cells in 250 ml of aphosphate buffer containing 10 nM-5 μM EDTA can be used.

Finally, the invention features a method for treating a muscle injury ora muscle-degenerative disease. The method includes administering to asubject in need thereof an effective amount of the somatic stem cells ina SB cell population. Examples of the muscle-degenerative diseaseinclude muscular dystrophy, fibromyalgia, myopathies, dermatomyositis,polymyositis, rhabdomyolysis, and myocarditis.

The details of one or more embodiments of the invention are set forth inthe accompanying drawings and the description below. Other features,objects, and advantages of the invention will be apparent from thedescription and drawings, and from the claims.

DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 includes five scatter plots showing sizes of standard beads usedto estimate the sizes of cells in the P1-gated region.

FIG. 2 includes three scatter plots showing cells in the P3-gated regioneach having a size less than 6 microns as analyzed by flow cytometry.The left panel is a plot showing whole blood having both large (>6microns) and small cells; the middle panel is a plot showing cells in aSB cell population after purification; and the right panel is a plotshowing buffer only.

FIG. 3 includes three scatter plots showing that a SB cell population inthe P3 gated region included SB-1 cells in the P2 gated region and SB-2cells in the P5-gated region. Note that buffer, platelets, andmicroparticles were shown in the P4, P1, and P2-gated regions,respectively.

FIG. 4 includes two scatter plots showing SB-1 cells in the P2-gatedregion, which were isolated from blood. As shown in the left panel,almost all of the SB-1 cells were stained positive by SYTO.

FIG. 5 includes two scatter plots showing SB-2 cells in the P5-gatedregion, which were isolated from blood. As shown in the left panel,almost all of the SB-2 cells were stained positive by SYTO.

FIG. 6 includes two scatter plots showing red blood cells in theP6-gated region, which were isolated from blood. As shown in the leftpanel, all of the red blood cells were stained negative by SYTO.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

This invention is based, at least in part, on the unexpected discoveries(i) that a pluripotent or totipotent stem cell population, i.e., a SBcell population, can be isolated from a sample that was believed tocontain no cells, (ii) that a divalent cation chelating agent (e.g.,EDTA) activates pluripotent or totipotent stem cells in this populationand forces them to proliferate without losing their differentiationpotentials; and (iii) that this population of pluripotent or totipotentstem cells can be differentiated to ectoderm, endoderm, and mesodermcells. SB-1 cells in this population is stained positive for CD9 andSB-2 cells in it is stained positive for one or more of SSEA1+, SSEA4+,CD13+, and Stro1+. The SB cell population, SB-1 cells, and SB-2 cellscan be isolated either from a human or from a non-human. Below areexamples of a non-human, from which the above-mentioned somatic stemcells can be obtained: primate, dog, rodent, guinea pigs, cat, horse,cow, sheep, and pig. In other words, they include, but are not limitedto, pet animals, farm animals, experimental animals, and disease-modelanimals.

A. Cells

This invention relates to a SB cell population, a population ofpluripotent or totipotent stem cells prepared from non-embryonicorigins. Like ES cells, cells in this population are totipotent orpluripotent. More importantly, this population can be obtained easily ata very high yield. It therefore can be used to regeneratedifferentiated, functional cells in treating various degenerativedisorders or tissue damage. As shown in the examples below, thepopulation can be easily prepared, maintained, and expanded in vitro,and induced to differentiation using routine technical approaches. Inaddition, after grafting the stem cells in the population into an animalsubject (e.g., a mouse), there is no evidence of malignant growth.Containing a normal chromosomal complement, these stem cells arelineage-uncommitted and can form all somatic (non-reproductive) cells ofthe body. They can also form the reproductive gametes sperm and/or ovum,and cells and tissues of the embryonic and fetal portions of theplacenta. These stem cells are responsive to lineage-induction agents,proliferation agents, and differentiation inhibitory agents. Due tothese advantages, they represent an alternative to other stem cells.

The term “stem cell” herein refers to a cell that is totipotent orpluripotent, i.e., capable of differentiating into a number of final,differentiated cell types. Totipotent stem cells typically have thecapacity to develop into any cell type. Totipotent stem cells can beboth embryonic and non-embryonic in origin. Pluripotent cells aretypically cells capable of differentiating into several different, finaldifferentiated cell types. Unipotent stem cells can produce only onecell type, but have the property of self-renewal which distinguishesthem from non-stem cells. These stem cells can originate from varioustissue or organ systems, including blood, nerve, muscle, skin, gut,bone, kidney, liver, pancreas, thymus, and the like.

The stem cells disclosed herein are substantially pure. The term“substantially pure”, when used in reference to stem cells or cellsderived therefrom (e.g., differentiated cells), means that the specifiedcells constitute the majority of cells in the preparation (i.e., morethan 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, 90%, or 95%). Generally, asubstantially purified population of cells constitutes at least about70% of the cells in a preparation, usually about 80% of the cells in apreparation, and particularly at least about 90% of the cells in apreparation (e.g., 95%, 97%, 99% or 100%). As such, a method of theinvention provides the advantage that a substantially pure population ofa particular type of cells (e.g., SB-1 cells) can be obtained withoutcontamination by other cell types.

Various cell-containing samples from a subject can be used to preparethe cell population of this invention. In a preferred embodiment of thisinvention, the cell population is prepared from a blood or bone marrowsample.

To confirm that this isolated population indeed contains SB-1 cells, onecan examine a number of characteristics, including (1) sizes of cells insuspension that between 0.3 to 6.0 μm, preferably 0.5 to 5.0 μm, and (2)cell surface markers. Antibodies against cell surface markers, such asCD9, can be used. They can be conjugated with suitable labels, such asfluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC), phycoerythrin (PE), or quantum dots.SB-1 cells, which are CD+, can be further enriched using flow cytometry.

The isolated or enriched cells are then tested by standard techniques.To confirm the differentiation potential of stem cells in the SB cellpopulation, they can be induced to form, for example, neuro-glial cells,osteocyte, and adipocyte by methods known in the art. For example, thesecells can be passed and cultured to confluence, shifted to an osteogenicmedium or an adipogenic medium, and incubated for suitable time (e.g., 3weeks). The differentiation potential for osteogenesis is assessed bythe mineralization of calcium accumulation, which can be visualized byvon Kossa staining. To examine adipogenic differentiation, intracellularlipid droplets can be stained by Oil Red 0 and observed under amicroscope. For neural differentiation, these cells can be incubated ina neurogenic medium for suitable duration (e.g., 7 days), and thensubjected to serum depletion and incubation of β-mercaptoethanol. Afterdifferentiation, they exhibit the morphology of refractile cell bodywith extended neuritelike structures arranged into a network. RT PCR andimmunocytochemical stain of lineage specific markers are furtherconducted to confirm neural differentiation. Examples of the markersinclude neuron specific class III β-tubulin (Tuj-1), neurofilament, andGFAP.

Alternatively, to confirm the identity of the isolated cells, one cantake advantage of the discovery that SB-1 cells, in response to adivalent cation chelating agent (EDTA), proliferate quickly. To thatend, one can culture the isolated cells with, e.g., EDTA. Under thatcondition, SB-1 cells will proliferate. In contrast, CD66e⁺ cells do notbehave similarly.

Stem cells in a SB cell population can be further propagated in anon-differentiating medium culture for more than 10, 20, 50, or 100population doublings without indications of spontaneous differentiation,senescence, morphological changes, increased growth rate, or changes inability to differentiate into neurons. These stem cells can be stored bystandard methods before use.

The terms “proliferation” and “expansion” as used interchangeably hereinwith reference to cells, refer to an increase in the number of cells ofthe same type by division. The term “differentiation” refers to adevelopmental process whereby cells become specialized for a particularfunction, for example, where cells acquire one or more morphologicalcharacteristics and/or functions different from that of the initial celltype. The term “differentiation” includes both lineage commitment andterminal differentiation processes. Differentiation may be assessed, forexample, by monitoring the presence or absence of lineage markers, usingimmunohistochemistry or other procedures known to a worker skilled inthe art. Differentiated progeny cells derived from progenitor cells maybe, but are not necessarily, related to the same germ layer or tissue asthe source tissue of the stem cells. For example, neural progenitorcells and muscle progenitor cells can differentiate into hematopoieticcell lineages.

The terms “lineage commitment” and “specification,” as usedinterchangeably herein, refer to the process a stem cell undergoes inwhich the stem cell gives rise to a progenitor cell committed to forminga particular limited range of differentiated cell types. Committedprogenitor cells are often capable of self-renewal or cell division.

The term “terminal differentiation” refers to the final differentiationof a cell into a mature, fully differentiated cell. For example, neuralprogenitor cells and muscle progenitor cells can differentiate intohematopoietic cell lineages, terminal differentiation of which leads tomature blood cells of a specific cell type. Usually, terminaldifferentiation is associated with withdrawal from the cell cycle andcessation of proliferation. The term “progenitor cell,” as used herein,refers to a cell that is committed to a particular cell lineage andwhich gives rise to cells of this lineage by a series of cell divisions.An example of a progenitor cell would be a myoblast, which is capable ofdifferentiation to only one type of cell, but is itself not fully matureor fully differentiated.

Within the scope of this invention is a cell bank or library having aplurality of above-described populations of stem cells. These stem cellscan be human cells or non-human cells. The bank can be produced byharvesting SB cell populations separately from different subjects;characterizing the SB cell populations to obtain at least onepredetermined characteristic for each, and cataloguing each of the SBcell populations according to the at least one predeterminedcharacteristic. To produce the bank, one can further expand the SB cellpopulations. Examples of the characteristic include a subject's name,gender, physical conditions (including genetic disorders and MHCinformation) B. Use of Cells:

The above-described SB cell population, containing, e.g., SB-1 cells,can be used in a variety of ways.

Screening Methods:

The above-described stem cells in a SB cell population can be used inscreening assays to identify drugs that can affect a particular celltype in a manner indicating that the drug can be useful for treating adisorder associated with the cell type. For example, one can use thestem cells in a method for identifying a drug candidate for treating adisease (e.g., a degenerative disease). The method includes the steps ofcontacting a test compound with the stem cells and determining theexpression level of a polypeptide that is down-regulated in the disease.The expression level in the presence of the test compound, if higherthan that in the absence of the compound, indicates that the compound isa candidate for treating the disease. Examples of the disease includediabetes, a neurodegenerative disease, arthritis, cancer, or anautoimmune disorder. The expression level can be determined at eitherthe mRNA level or at the protein level.

Thus, one aspect of the present invention relates to a method foridentifying an agent that alters a function of an undifferentiated cellin a SB cell population by contacting the cells with a test agent. Achange in a function or gene expression of the cells in presence of thetest agent as compared to the function in the absence of the test agentindicates that the test agent is an agent that alters the function of orthe gene expression in the cells. The term “test agent” refers to anymolecule that is being examined for an ability to alter a function of orgene expression in the cells. Although the method generally is used as ascreening assay to identify previously unknown molecules that have adesired activity, the screening methods of the invention also can beused to confirm that an agent known to have a particular activity.

The function can be expression of gene that typically is expressed (ornot expressed) in the cells, and the agent can alter the function byincreasing or decreasing the level of expression of an expressed gene,or by turning on the expression of an unexpressed gene (e.g., inducingexpression of lineage-specific antigen) in the cells.

In one embodiment, the agent that affects a function of the cells is onethat induces differentiation of stem cells, thereby producingdifferentiated cells. Such differentiated cells can be multipotentialhuman stem cells (e.g., hematopoietic stem cells) or can be terminallydifferentiated cells (e.g., muscle cells, neuronal cells, blood cells,connective tissue, or epithelial cells). As such, the method can be usedto identify an agent that induces differentiation of stem cells in a SBcell population to terminally differentiated cells including pancreaticbeta cells, hepatocytes, cardiomyocytes, skeletal muscle cells, or anyother cell types. Agents or compound thus-identified can be used totreat degenerative disorders, cancer or immune disorders.

The expression level can be determined at either the mRNA level or theprotein level. Methods of measuring mRNA levels in a sample are wellknown in the art. To measure mRNA levels, cells can be lysed and thelevels of mRNA in the lysates, whether purified or not, can bedetermined by, e.g., hybridization assays (using detectably labeledgene-specific DNA or RNA probes) and quantitative or semi-quantitativeRT-PCR (using appropriate gene-specific primers). Alternatively,quantitative or semi-quantitative in situ hybridization assays can becarried out on tissue sections or unlysed cell suspensions usingdetectably (e.g., fluorescent or enzyme) labeled DNA or RNA probes.Additional mRNA-quantifying methods include the RNA protection assay(RPA) method and the serial analysis of gene expression (SAGE) method,as well as array-based technologies.

Methods of measuring protein levels in a sample are also well known inthe art. Some of them employ antibodies (e.g., monoclonal or polyclonalantibodies) that bind specifically to a target protein. In such assays,the antibody itself or a secondary antibody that binds to it can bedetectably labeled. Alternatively, the antibody can be conjugated withbiotin. Its presence can be determined by detectably labeled avidin (apolypeptide that binds to biotin). Combinations of these approaches(including “multi-layer sandwich” assays) can be used to enhance thesensitivity of the methodologies. Some protein-measuring assays (e.g.,ELISA or Western blot) can be applied to body fluids or to lysates ofcells, and others (e.g., immunohistological methods or fluorescence flowcytometry) can be applied to histological sections or unlysed cellsuspensions. Appropriate labels include radionuclides (e.g., ¹²⁵I, ¹³¹I,³⁵S, ³H, or ³²P), enzymes (e.g., alkaline phosphatase, horseradishperoxidase, luciferase, or □-glactosidase), fluorescent/luminescentagents (e.g., fluorescein, rhodamine, phycoerythrin, GFP, BFP, andnanoparticles (e.g., Qdot™ supplied by the Quantum Dot Corporation, PaloAlto, Calif.). Other applicable methods include quantitativeimmunoprecipitation or complement fixation assays.

A test compound or agent can be any type of molecule, for example, apolynucleotide, a peptide, a peptidomimetic, peptoids such as vinylogouspeptoids, a small organic molecule, or the like, and can act in any ofvarious ways to alter a function of stem cells in a SB cell population.For example, the test agent can act extracellularly by binding to a cellsurface receptor expressed by the cells, thereby altering a functionmediated by binding of a ligand that generally binds to and acts via thereceptor. Alternatively, the test agent can be one that traverses thecell membrane, either passively or via an active transport mechanism,and acts within the cells to alter a function.

A peptide test agent can be any polymer of amino acids or amino acidanalogs, and can vary from about three to four residues to hundreds orthousands. Peptide test agents can be prepared by chemical synthesis, orusing methods of protein purification, followed by proteolysis and, ifdesired, further purification by chromatographic or electrophoreticmethods, or can be expressed from an encoding polynucleotide. A peptidetest agent can be based on a known peptide, for example, a naturallyoccurring peptide, but can vary from the naturally occurring sequence,for example, by containing one or more amino acid analogs.

A polynucleotide agent can be a sequence of two or moredeoxyribonucleotides or ribonucleotides that are linked together by aphosphodiester bond. It can be RNA or DNA, which can be a gene or aportion thereof, a cDNA, an RNAi agent, a syntheticpolydeoxy-ribonucleic acid sequence, or the like, and can be singlestranded or double stranded, as well as a DNA/RNA hybrid. It can be anaturally occurring nucleic acid molecule, which can be isolated from acell, as well as a synthetic molecule, which can be prepared, forexample, by methods of chemical synthesis or by enzymatic methods suchas by the polymerase chain reaction (PCR). In various embodiments, apolynucleotide of the invention can contain nucleoside or nucleotideanalogs, or a backbone bond other than a phosphodiester bond. Suchnucleotide analogs are well known in the art and commercially available,as are polynucleotides containing such nucleotide analogs (Pagratis etal., Nature Biotechnol. 15:68-73, 1997).

A polynucleotide test agent can be contacted with or introduced intostem cells in a SB cell population using methods as disclosed herein orotherwise known in the art. Generally, but not necessarily, thepolynucleotide is introduced into the cell, where it effects itsfunction either directly, or following transcription or translation orboth. For example, the polynucleotide can encode a peptide test agent,which is expressed in the cells and alters a function of the cells. Apolynucleotide test agent also can be, or can encode, an antisensemolecule, a ribozyme or a triplexing agent, which can be designed totarget one or more specific target nucleic acid molecules.

Candidate agents or compounds to be screened (e.g., proteins, peptides,peptidomimetics, peptoids, antibodies, small molecules, or other drugs)can be obtained using any of the numerous approaches in combinatoriallibrary methods known in the art. Such libraries include: peptidelibraries, peptoid libraries (libraries of molecules having thefunctionalities of peptides, but with a novel, non-peptide backbone thatis resistant to enzymatic degradation); spatially addressable parallelsolid phase or solution phase libraries; synthetic libraries obtained bydeconvolution or affinity chromatography selection; and the “one-beadone-compound” libraries. See, e.g., Lam, 1997, Anticancer Drug Des.12:145. Examples of methods for the synthesis of molecular libraries canbe found in, e.g., Angew. Chem. Int. Ed. Engl. 33:2061; and Gallop etal., 1994 J. Med. Chem. 37:1233. Libraries of compounds may be presentedin solution (e.g., Houghten, 1992, Biotechniques 13:412-421), or onbeads (Lam, 1991, Nature 354:82-84), chips (Fodor, 1993, Nature364:555-556), bacteria (U.S. Pat. No. 5,223,409), spores (U.S. Pat. No.5,223,409), plasmids (Cull et al., 1992, PNAS USA 89:1865-1869), orphages (Felici 1991, J. Mol. Biol. 222:301-310; and U.S. Pat. No.5,223,409).

Treating Degenerative Disorders

One can use stem cells in a SB cell population disclosed herein fortreating degenerative or inherited diseases, avoiding ethicalconsiderations of human embryo manipulation.

To do so, one can isolate a SB cell population from a patient, e.g.,lacking a functional gene essential for proper development of a tissueor organ. One can then introduce into stem cells in the SB cellpopulation an expression nucleic acid vector encoding a functionalversion of the gene. The vector can be introduced into the stem cellsvia a variety of techniques, including calcium phosphateco-precipitation, DEAE-dextran-mediated transfection, lipofection,electroporation, microinjection, or virus-meditated techniques. Methodsnot affecting the pluripotency of the cells are preferred. Descriptionof such techniques can be found in, e.g., U.S. Pat. Nos. 7,422,736 and5,591,625. After delivering the functional gene into the stem cells, onecan transplant them back into the patient using method known in the art.As the stem cells are produced from the patient, the treatment does notcause immune rejection.

Alternatively, one can make universal donor cells from a SB cellpopulation prepared from a healthy subject. The method for makinguniversal donor cells are known in the art and that for making universalpluripotent stem cells from a SB cell population will be describedbelow.

Under proper conditions, the transplanted stem cells can develop into afunctional tissue or organ. To facilitate this development, the patientmay be administered with factors to induce the development of the cells.Such factors can be small molecule compounds, peptides, and nucleicacids. Examples include, but are not limited to, transforming growthfactor (3, bone morphogenic proteins, and nerve growth factor.

The universal pluripotent stem cells are also useful for studyingdevelopment or differentiation mechanisms of lineage development anddifferentiation. One can identify conditions for inducing thedevelopment of totipoent pluripotent stem cells into a specific tissueor organ using such cells as a model system. Further, one can isolategenes that play roles during the development using differential cDNAscreening known in the art. One can prepare a cDNA library from thecells that have been induced to develop into a certain lineage, e.g.,neuro-glial lineage described above. The library can then be used toisolate and study genes differentially expressed. These isolated genescan be further studied to define their roles in respective processes.The related techniques are known in the art. See e.g., U.S. Pat. No.7,422,736. The pluripotent stem cells can also be used to develop intoorgans or clones of the animals using the methods known in the art.Accordingly, these cells are valuable for the pet and livestockindustries, and can be used to preserve endangered animals.

In one aspect, the invention features a method of treating adegenerative disease in a subject. The method includes administering toa subject in need thereof an effective amount of the above-describedstem cells. In one embodiment, at least one of these cells includes arecombinant nucleic acid. The recombinant nucleic acid can encode apolypeptide and the stem cell can contain an mRNA encoding thepolypeptide. Examples of the degenerative disease include diabetes, aneurodegenerative disease, and arthritis. Examples of theneurodegenerative disease include Parkinson's disease.

In another aspect, the invention features a method of treating anautoimmune disease in a subject. The method includes administering to asubject in need thereof an effective amount of the above-describedcomposition.

A subject to be treated for one of the above-described disorders can beidentified by standard diagnosing techniques for that particulardisorder. “Treating” refers to administration of a composition (e.g., acell composition) to a subject, who is suffering from or is at risk fordeveloping that disorder, with the purpose to cure, alleviate, relieve,remedy, delay the onset of, prevent, or ameliorate the disorder, thesymptom of the disorder, the disease state secondary to the disorder, orthe predisposition toward the damage/disorder. An “effective amount”refers to an amount of the composition that is capable of producing amedically desirable result in a treated subject. The treatment methodcan be performed alone or in conjunction with other drugs or therapies.

A degenerative disease refers to a disorder where the function orstructure of an affected tissue or organ progressively deteriorate overtime, whether due to genetic defects, injury, lack of proper celldifferentiation (e.g., that in cell proliferative disorders), normalbodily wear, or lifestyle choices. Examples of degenerative diseasesinclude neurodegenerative diseases (e.g., Alzheimer's disease, Parkinsondisease, Huntington's disease, multiple sclerosis, and amyotrophiclateral sclerosis (ALS)); other nervous system disorders (e.g.,transverse myelitis, demyelination occurring after trauma to the brainor spinal cord, acute brain injury, head trauma, spinal cord injury,peripheral nerve injury, ischaemic brain injury, hereditary myelindisorder of the CNS, epilepsy, perinatal asphxia, asphyxia, anoxia,status epilepticus, Shy-Drager syndrome, autism, and stroke); cancer ora condition resulting from related cancers therapy (e.g., chemotherapy);metabolic disorders (e.g., diabetes/diabetes mellitus and Niemann Pickdisease); autoimmune or inflammation related disorders (e.g.,erythematosis, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), postatitis,osteoarthritis, osteoporosis, rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, diabetes, andasthma); ocular disorders (e.g., glaucoma, retinitis pigmentosa, Norriedisease, and macular degeneration); heart and circulatory disorders(e.g., atherosclerosis, heart failure myocardial infarction, andcardiovascular disease); blood disorders (e.g., Wiscott Aldrichsyndrome); muscular dystrophy; gastrointestinal disease; kidney disease;liver disease; lung disease; adrenal disorders (e.g., Addison'sdisease); a condition resulting from an injury (e.g., a burn, a stroke,damaged tissue, including flesh wounds, age damaged cells, and agedamaged tissue); a condition associated with aging (e.g., hair loss,including male pattern baldness and alopecia areata); viral conditions(e.g., hepatitis C infection and acquired immune deficiency disorder);and any other disorder that an organ transplant or stem cells can beused to restore, regenerate, or otherwise ameliorate signs and/orsymptoms associated with the disorder. The method of this invention canbe used in treating erectile dysfunction and in plastic surgery orbreast implantation for female.

Within the scope of this invention is a method of treating brain or CNStissue damage or alleviate the symptom of the disorder in a subject. Themethod includes identifying a subject suffering from or being at riskfor developing brain tissue damage. The subject can be a human or anon-human mammal, such as a cat, a dog, or a horse. Examples of thebrain tissue damage include those caused by a cerebral ischemia (e.g.,chronic stroke) or a neurodegenerative disease (e.g., Parkinson'sdisease, Alzheimer's disease, Spinocerebellar disease, and Huntington'sdisease). A subject to be treated can be identified by standardtechniques for diagnosing the conditions or disorders of interest. Thetreatment method entails administering to a subject in need thereof aneffective amount of the above-described stem cells or activeagents/compounds.

The therapeutic effects of the stem cells can be accessed according tostandard methods. For example, to confirm efficacy in promotingcerebrovascular angiogenesis, one can examine the subject before andafter the treatment by standard brain imaging techniques, such ascomputed tomography (CT), Doppler ultrasound imaging (DUI), magneticresonance imaging (MRI), and proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy(¹H-MRS). For example, ¹H-MRS represents a non-invasive means to obtainbiochemical information correlated to brain metabolic activity (Lu etal., 1997, Magn. Reson. Med. 37, 18-23). This technique can be appliedto evaluate the metabolic changes involved in cerebral ischemia with orwithout stem cell transplantation. For example, it can be used to studythe N-acetylaspartate (NAA) concentration in the brain, a marker ofneuronal integrity. Although NAA redistribution and trapping in neuronaldebris limits its use as a quantitative neuronal marker, decreases inbrain NAA concentration in cerebral ischemia can be considered as anindex of neuronal loss or dysfunction (Demougeot et al., 2004, J.Neurochem. 90, 776-83). Therefore, an NAA level, measured by ¹H-MRS, isa useful indicator for following the effect of stem cell transplantationafter cerebral ischemia.

Gene Therapy

The stem cells described herein can be used to express exogenous,recombinant polypeptide. Thus, within the scope of this invention aresuch stem cells, which contain a recombinant nucleic acid. Therecombinant nucleic acid can encode a polypeptide and the stem cells cancontain an mRNA encoding the polypeptide.

These stem cells can be genetically manipulated so that they do notexpress the beta2-microglobulin gene or do not express one or moreproteins encoded by the class I major histocompatibility complex (MHC)genes that elicit a T lymphocyte mediated reaction against the cell.These cells can be used as universal donor cells since they do not leadto host rejections of grafts.

Accordingly, the invention features a method for introducing aheterologous nucleic acid in a subject. The method includes the steps ofobtaining the above-described stem cells, where at least one of the stemcells includes a heterologous nucleic acid, and administering the cellinto a subject in need thereof. The heterologous nucleic acid can encodea polypeptide.

The term “heterologous” is a relative term, which when used withreference to portions of a nucleic acid indicates that the nucleic acidcomprises two or more subsequences that are not found in the samerelationship to each other in nature. For instance, a nucleic acid thatis recombinantly produced typically has two or more sequences fromunrelated genes synthetically arranged to make a new functional nucleicacid, e.g., a promoter from one source and a coding region from anothersource. The two nucleic acids are thus heterologous to each other inthis context. When added to a cell, the recombinant nucleic acids wouldalso be heterologous to the endogenous genes of the cell. Thus, in achromosome, a heterologous nucleic acid would include a non-native(non-naturally occurring) nucleic acid that has integrated into thechromosome, or a non-native (non-naturally occurring) extrachromosomalnucleic acid. In contrast, a naturally translocated piece of chromosomewould not be considered heterologous in the context of this patentapplication, as it comprises an endogenous nucleic acid sequence that isnative to the mutated cell. Similarly, a heterologous protein indicatesthat the protein comprises two or more subsequences that are not foundin the same relationship to each other in nature (e.g., a “fusionprotein,” where the two subsequences are encoded by a single nucleicacid sequence). Such protein can be generated by recombinant techniques.

The term “recombinant” when used with reference, e.g., to a cell,nucleic acid, protein, or vector, indicates that the cell, nucleic acid,protein, or vector, has been modified by the introduction of aheterologous nucleic acid or protein or the alteration of a nativenucleic acid or protein, or that the cell is derived from a cell somodified. Thus, for example, recombinant cells express genes that arenot found within the native (naturally occurring) form of the cell orexpress a second copy of a native gene that is otherwise normally orabnormally expressed, under expressed or not expressed at all.

The above-described stem cells and methods can be used in various genetherapy methods known in the art. Gene therapy includes both ex vivo andin vivo techniques. Specifically, the above-described stem cells can begenetically engineered ex vivo with an oligonucleotide modulator or anucleic acid molecule encoding the modulator, with the engineered cellsthen being provided to a patient to be treated. Cell cultures may beformulated for administration to a patient, for example, by dissociatingthe cells (e.g., by mechanical dissociation) and intimately admixing thecell with a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier (e.g., phosphatebuffered saline solution). Alternatively, cells may be cultured on asuitable biocompatible support and transplanted into a patient. Theengineered cells are typically autologous so as to circumvent xenogeneicor allotypic rejection. Such ex vivo methods are well known in the art.

The cells can be engineered by administration of the oligonucleotide ornucleic acid molecule using techniques known in the art. For example,oligonucleotides and other nucleic acid molecules can be administered bydirect injection of a “naked” nucleic acid molecule (U.S. Pat. No.5,679,647) or a nucleic acid molecule formulated in a composition withone or more other agents which facilitate uptake of the nucleic acidmolecule by the cell, such as saponins (see, for example, U.S. Pat. No.5,739,118) or cationic polyamines (see, for example, U.S. Pat. No.5,837,533); by microparticle bombardment (for example, through use of a“gene gun”; Biolistic, Dupont); by coating the nucleic acid moleculewith lipids, cell-surface receptors or transfecting agents; byencapsulation of the nucleic acid molecule in liposomes, microparticles,or microcapsules; by administration of the nucleic acid molecule linkedto a peptide which is known to enter the nucleus; or by administrationof the nucleic acid molecule linked to a ligand subject toreceptor-mediated endocytosis, which can be used to target cell typesspecifically expressing the receptors.

A nucleic acid-ligand complex can be formed in which the ligandcomprises a fusogenic viral peptide to disrupt endosomes, allowing thenucleic acid to avoid lysosomal degradation; or the nucleic acidmolecule can be targeted for cell specific uptake and expression in vivoby targeting a specific receptor. In addition, an efficient method forthe introduction, expression and accumulation of antisenseoligonucleotides in the cell nucleus is described in U.S. Pat. No.6,265,167, which allows the antisense oligonucleotide to hybridise tothe sense mRNA in the nucleus, and thereby prevents the antisenseoligonucleotide being either processed or transported into thecytoplasm. The present invention also contemplates the intracellularintroduction of the nucleic acid molecule and subsequent incorporationwithin host cell DNA for expression by homologous recombination known inthe art.

The polynucleotide can also be incorporated into a suitable expressionvector. A number of vectors suitable for gene therapy applications areknown in the art (see, for example, Viral Vectors: Basic Science andGene Therapy, Eaton Publishing Co. (2000)).

The expression vector may be a plasmid vector. Methods of generating andpurifying plasmid DNA are rapid and straightforward. In addition,plasmid DNA typically does not integrate into the genome of the hostcell, but is maintained in an episomal location as a discrete entityeliminating genotoxicity issues that chromosomal integration may raise.A variety of plasmids are now readily available commercially and includethose derived from Escherichia coli and Bacillus subtilis, with manybeing designed particularly for use in mammalian systems. Examples ofplasmids that may be used in the present invention include, but are notlimited to, the eukaryotic expression vectors pRc/CMV (Invitrogen),pCR2.1 (Invitrogen), pAd/CMV and pAd/TR5/GFPq (Massie et al., (1998)Cytotechnology 28:53-64). In an exemplary embodiment, the plasmid ispRc/CMV, pRc/CMV2 (Invitrogen), pAdCMV5 (IRB-NRC), pcDNA3 (Invitrogen),pAdMLP5 (IRB-NRC), or PVAX Invitrogen).

The expression vector can be a viral-based vector. Examples ofviral-based vectors include, but are not limited to, those derived fromreplication deficient retrovirus, lentivirus, adenovirus andadeno-associated virus. Retrovirus vectors and adeno-associated virusvectors are currently the recombinant gene delivery system of choice forthe transfer of exogenous oligonucleotides or genes in vivo,particularly into humans. These vectors provide efficient delivery ofgenes into cells, and the transferred nucleic acids are stablyintegrated into the chromosomal DNA of the host. A major prerequisitefor the use of retroviruses is to ensure the safety of their use,particularly with regard to the possibility of the spread of wild-typevirus in the cell population. Retroviruses, from which retroviralvectors may be derived include, but are not limited to, Moloney MurineLeukemia Virus, spleen necrosis virus, Rous Sarcoma Virus, HarveySarcoma Virus, avian leukosis virus, gibbon ape leukemia virus, humanimmunodeficiency virus, adenovirus, Myeloproliferative Sarcoma Virus,and mammary tumour virus. Specific retroviruses include pLJ, pZIP, pWEand pEM, which are well known to those skilled in the art.

Cell Banking

The invention features a stem cell bank or library for a convenientsystematic access to different stem cell lines. A SB cell population inthe bank or library is derived from a healthy subject or subject havingknown disease state or disease symptom would be invaluable to users,e.g., researchers. Also with the scope of the invention is a cell bankor library having cells differentiated from the above-described stemcells. Examples of cells differentiated from the stem cells includebrain cells, neurons, astrocytes, glial cells, T cells, B cells,cartilage cells, bone cells, pancreatic islet cells, fat cells, heartcells, liver cells, kidney cells, lung cells, muscle cells, and eyecells. The subjects may be human or nonhuman vertebrates. The stem cellscan be derived from any mammalian organism, such as human, mouse,rabbits, cows, pigs, and the like.

The cells in the bank or library are catalogued according topredetermined characteristics, including phenotypic information,morphological characteristics, differentiation profile, blood type,major histocompatibility complex, disease state of donor, or genotypicinformation (e.g. single nucleated polymorphisms (SNPs) of a specificnucleic acid sequence associated with a gene, or genomic ormitochondrial DNA). The cells are stored under appropriate conditions(typically by freezing) to keep the stem cells alive and functioning.Cataloguing may constitute creating a centralized record of thecharacteristics obtained for each cell population, such as, but notlimited to, an assembled written record or a computer database withinformation inputted therein. Essentially, this embodiment pertains tothe production of a stem cell bank. The stem cell bank facilitates theselection from a plurality of samples of a specific stem cell samplesuitable for a user's needs. Thus, another embodiment of the subjectinvention pertains to a stem cell bank comprising a plurality of stemcells samples obtained from separate sources and which are characterizedand catalogued according to at least one predetermined characteristic.An additional embodiment pertains to a method of establishing a stemcell bank comprising collecting stem samples from multiple sources;cataloguing the samples according to at least one predeterminedcharacteristic and storing the cells under conditions that keep cellsviable.

With the scope of this invention is a stem cell banking systemcontaining a plurality of stem cell populations disposed in individualcontainers under conditions to keep the stem cell populations viable; adatabase computer comprising at least one processing module, a display,and a storage medium comprising information of at least onecharacteristic for each stem cell population; and at least one programcode module for causing the information to be viewable on said displayupon command by a user. In a specific embodiment, the invention featuresa stem cell banking system where stem cell populations have stem cellsobtained from subjects who have a disease condition. The diseasecondition may include the above-described degenerative diseases. SB cellpopulations are harvested from different subjects having differentdiseases, and the stem cells are characterized. The characteristic(s)is/are inputted into the database computer. In addition, oralternatively, cells are characterized based on a specific phenotype notnecessarily associated with a disease condition. For example, livercells can be characterized based on their ability to metabolize certaincompounds such as caffeine, alcohol, drug agents, etc. to study geneticbases of such different metabolism abilities, or underlying physiologyassociated therewith. Other types of cells can be characterized based onfunctional and/or morphological phenotypes.

In certain embodiments, cells differentiated from stem cells in an SBcell population may be subjected to conditions to influencedifferentiation or dedifferentiation through introduction of engineeredvectors, or other genetic material. Dedifferentiation comprises themanipulation of a cell such that it takes on the properties of a lessdifferentiated cell.

The stem cell libraries of the invention can be used to screen foragents or compounds that may be used to treat degenerative disorders,cancer or immune disorders in the manner described above. The librariesare suitable for high throughput screening and are useful foridentifying agents that are specifically effective for a particularsubject. For a high throughput screening, stem cells can be introducedinto wells of a multiwell plate or of a glass slide or microchip, andcan be contacted with the test agent. Generally, the cells are organizedin an array, particularly an addressable array, such that roboticsconveniently can be used for manipulating the cells and solutions andfor monitoring the cells, particularly with respect to the functionbeing examined. An advantage of using a high throughput format is that anumber of test agents can be examined in parallel, and, if desired,control reactions also can be run under identical conditions as the testconditions. As such, the screening methods of the invention provide ameans to screen one, a few, or a large number of test agents in order toidentify an agent that can alter a function of stem cells, for example,an agent that induces the cells to differentiate into a desired celltype, or that prevents spontaneous differentiation, for example, bymaintaining a high level of expression of regulatory molecules.

Universal Donor Cells

The above-described stem cells can be genetically engineered to generatehistocompatible donor cells or tissues for transplantation. The goal oftransplantation and cell therapy is to successfully replace failingtissues or organs with functional donor tissues or organs. However, fortransplantation to succeed, two major barriers need to be overcome: theavailability of suitable donor tissues or organs and immune rejection.The replacement of failing tissues or organs and the treatment of therejection is restricted by the limited number of acceptable donors andthe need for co-administration of toxic immuno-suppressive drugs inconjunction with long term immuno-suppressive protocols. Current andexperimental transplantation protocols rely mainly on sibling donors,other small pools of allogeneic donors, and xenogeneic donors. Theabove-described genetically engineered stem cells can be used toovercome these limitations.

More specifically, the stem cells described herein can be geneticallyengineered to not express on their surface class II MHC molecules. Morepreferably, the cells are engineered to not express substantially allcell surface class I and class II MHC molecules. As used herein, theterm “not express” mean either that an insufficient amount is expressedon the surface of the cell to elicit a response or that the protein thatis expressed is deficient and therefore does not elicit a response.

The MHC molecules refer to HLA molecules, specifically of classes HLA A,B and C, and class II HLA DP, DQ, and DR, and their subclasses. Thisterminology is generally construed as specific to the human MHC, but isintended herein to include the equivalent MHC genes from the donor cellspecies, for example, if the cells are of porcine origin, the term HLAwould refer to the equivalent porcine MHC molecules, whether MHC I orII. When the class II MHC molecules are removed, CD4+ T-cells do notrecognize the genetically engineered endothelial cells; when both theclass I and class II MHC molecules are removed neither CD4+ nor CD8+cells recognize the modified cells.

The preferred genetic modification performed on the stem cellsincludes 1) disrupting the endogenous invariant chain gene whichfunctions in the assembly and transport of class II MHC molecules to thecell surface and loading of antigenic peptide, and 2) disrupting theendogenous β₂-microglobulin gene (β₂M gene), which codes for a proteinrequired for the cell surface expression of all class I MHC molecules.Alternatively, just the invariant chain gene is disrupted. Invariantchain is believed to be required for the insertion of antigenic peptidefragments into the MHC class II molecule. Together, the antigenicpeptide and MHC are recognized by T cells. In the absence of antigenicpeptide, T cell recognition is not normally obtained, nor is the MHCclass II molecule folded properly. Thus, in cells lacking invariantchain, presentation of peptide will be abrogated and even if minusculeamounts of cell surface MHC are obtained, they may be devoid of peptideand therefore, non-immunogenic.

Disruption of these genes can be accomplished by means of homologousrecombination gene targeting techniques. These techniques are well knownin the art. See e.g., U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,916,654 and 6,986,887.

Compositions

The present invention provides for pharmaceutical compositionscontaining the above-described cells or active agents/compounds.Pharmaceutical compositions can be prepared by mixing a therapeuticallyeffective amount of the cells or active agents/compounds, and,optionally other active substance, with a pharmaceutically acceptablecarrier. The carrier can have different forms, depending on the route ofadministration. Examples of other active substance include activecompounds known or identified by the screening method of describedabove.

The above-described pharmaceutical compositions can be prepared by usingconventional pharmaceutical excipients and methods of preparation. Allexcipients may be mixed with disintegrating agents, solvents,granulating agents, moisturizers, and binders. As used herein, the term“effective amount” or ‘therapeutically effective amount’ refers to anamount which results in measurable amelioration of at least one symptomor parameter of a specific disorder. A therapeutically effective amountof the above-described stem cells can be determined by methods known inthe art. An effective amount for treating a disorder can easily bedetermined by empirical methods known to those of ordinary skill in theart. The exact amount to be administered to a patient will varydepending on the state and severity of the disorder and the physicalcondition of the patient. A measurable amelioration of any symptom orparameter can be determined by a person skilled in the art or reportedby the patient to the physician. It will be understood that anyclinically or statistically significant attenuation or amelioration ofany symptom or parameter of the above-described disorders is within thescope of the invention. Clinically significant attenuation oramelioration means perceptible to the patient and/or to the physician.

The phrase “pharmaceutically acceptable” refers to molecular entitiesand other ingredients of such compositions that are physiologicallytolerable and do not typically produce unwanted reactions whenadministered to a human. Preferably, the term “pharmaceuticallyacceptable” means approved by a regulatory agency of the federal or astate government or listed in the U.S. Pharmacopeia or other generallyrecognized pharmacopeia for use in mammals, and more particularly inhumans. Pharmaceutically acceptable salts, esters, amides, and prodrugsrefers to those salts (e.g., carboxylate salts, amino acid additionsalts), esters, amides, and prodrugs which are, within the scope ofsound medical judgment, suitable for use in contact with the tissues ofpatients without undue toxicity, irritation, allergic response, and thelike, commensurate with a reasonable benefit/risk ratio, and effectivefor their intended use.

A carrier applied to the pharmaceutical compositions described aboverefers to a diluent, excipient, or vehicle with which a compound isadministered. Such pharmaceutical carriers can be sterile liquids, suchas water and oils. Water or aqueous solution, saline solutions, andaqueous dextrose and glycerol solutions are preferably employed ascarriers, particularly for injectable solutions. Suitable pharmaceuticalcarriers are described in “Remington's Pharmaceutical Sciences” by E. W.Martin, 18th Edition.

The above-described stem cells can be administered to individualsthrough infusion or injection (for example, intravenous, intrathecal,intramuscular, intraluminal, intratracheal, intraperitoneal, orsubcutaneous), orally, transdermally, or other methods known in the art.Administration may be once every two weeks, once a week, or more often,but frequency may be decreased during a maintenance phase of the diseaseor disorder.

Both heterologous and autologous cells can be used. In the former case,HLA-matching should be conducted to avoid or minimize host reactions. Inthe latter case, autologous cells are enriched and purified from asubject and stored for later use. The cells may be cultured in thepresence of host or graft T cells ex vivo and re-introduced into thehost. This may have the advantage of the host recognizing the cells asself and better providing reduction in T cell activity.

The dose and the administration frequency will depend on the clinicalsigns, which confirm maintenance of the remission phase, with thereduction or absence of at least one or more preferably more than oneclinical signs of the acute phase known to the person skilled in theart. More generally, dose and frequency will depend in part on recessionof pathological signs and clinical and subclinical symptoms of a diseasecondition or disorder contemplated for treatment with theabove-described composition. Dosages and administration regimen can beadjusted depending on the age, sex, physical condition of administeredas well as the benefit of the conjugate and side effects in the patientor mammalian subject to be treated and the judgment of the physician, asis appreciated by those skilled in the art. In all of theabove-described methods, the stem cells can be administered to a subjectat 1×10⁴ to 1×10¹⁰/time.

Evaluation Method

The stem cells and methods disclosed herein can be used to evaluate asubject. Generally, a young healthy subject has a relative higherpercentage of stem cells (such as SSEA4+ cells, CD66e+/BLSCs, orCD9+/SB-1 cells). As discussed in Example 4 below, the numbers orparentages of these cells decrease as the subject ages or due to geneticdefect or expose to unfavorable environmental factors. This decreasecompromises the subject's stem-cell related abilities, including abilityto repair tissue after an injury.

Also as shown in Example 4 below, these changes can be used to evaluatea subject risk for having an ageing related disorder. For example, if asubject has higher-than-average level, he or she has excellent abilityto repair tissue after an injury and high risk of develop cancer. Inother words, a high level of the above-mentioned stem cells in a samplefrom the subject indicates that a subject has a young development statuswith (1) a better ability to repair tissue damage, to recover from aninjury, and to defend pathogens and (2) lower probabilities ofdeveloping an autoimmune disease, a cardiovascular disease, diabetes,and other disorders associated with ageing. On the other hand, such ahigher level is positively correlated with a higher risk of havingcancer.

The specific examples below are to be construed as merely illustrative,and not limitative of the remainder of the disclosure in any waywhatsoever. Without further elaboration, it is believed that one skilledin the art can, based on the description herein, utilize the presentinvention to its fullest extent. All publications cited herein arehereby incorporated by reference in their entirety. Further, anymechanism proposed below does not in any way restrict the scope of theclaimed invention.

EXAMPLE 1

A blood sample or a bone marrow sample was drawn from a person andplaced in an anti-clotting EDTA tube or heparin tube. After sitting thetube for 6 to 48 hours in 4° C., the sample separated into two layers.The top layer contained a SB cell population, which were furtheranalyzed by C6 accuri flow cytometry, immunocytochemistry, and RNAextraction/RT-PCR. The bottom layer contained red and white blood cells,which are not smaller than 6.0 μm.

Particles in the top layer were analyzed by the size beads of flowcytometry. It was found that they were less than 6.0 μm. It is knownthat platelets and microparticles are smaller than 6.0 μm, but have nonuclei and therefore cannot be stained by DAPI or SYTO. To examine theparticles, DAPI and SYTO staining were carried out. The results showedthat many particles were stained positive by both dyes, i.e., DAPI andSYTO, suggesting that these particles were cells containing DNA nuclei,but not platelets and microparticles. It was further found that theDAPI-negative particles were about 0.01 to 1.5 μm. These results suggestthat the top layer (named as StemBios cell population or SB cellpopulation) contained cells/stem cells, platelets and microparticles.

To confirm that the DAPI-positive particles were indeed cells, thoseparticles were plated in cell culture dishes and cultured in an Opti-MEMmedium containing 3% FBS and 10 nM of bFGF and EGF.

After being cultured for one week, the dishes were examined under amicroscope. It was found that number of the particles increased and thata number of cells of sizes larger than 3 μm appeared. DAPI stainingagain demonstrates DNA in the particles. After a few weeks of culture,some of the cells formed spheres. In addition, some of the cellsexhibited GAPDH gene expression as demonstrated by RT-PCR, usingprimers: AGC TGA ACG GGA AGC TCA CT (SEQ ID NO: 1) and TGC TGT AGC CAAATT CGT TG (SEQ ID NO: 2).

To further confirm that the DAPI positive particles were cells, theparticles were incubated and infected with Lenti viruses that containeda GFP expression cassette using a standard technique. After theincubation, the particles were found to express GFP. As the Lenti virusmust integrate to chromosome so as to express the GFP, the resultssuggest that the particles contained chromosomes.

These results proved that those particles that were less than 3 μm areindeed cells, which could proliferate and give rise to cells of sizeslarger than 3 μm.

The cells were then subjected to C6 accuri flow cytometry to ascertaintheir sizes. Specifically, beads with sizes from 0.1 to 7 μm wereconjugated with FITC and analyzed by the flow cytometry. Based on thescattering patterns of these beads shown in FIG. 1, the sizes of thecells in the P3 gated region shown in FIG. 2 were determined to be 0.3to 6 μm. In contrast, red blood cells (RBC) each had a size of about 6μm and T lymphocytes each had a size of about 6 to 7 μm. Furtheranalyses with DAPI indicate that 90% of the particles in the P3-gatedregion were living cells as they exhibit nucleus staining.

All cells in a SB cell population prepared using an EDTA tube were thensubjected to cell marker analysis. It was found that over 70% of thecells in the P3-gated region of an isolated SB cell population (FIG. 3)stained strongly positive for CD9 and 98% of them were also stainedpositive by SYTO (FIG. 4). In some cases, as much as 90% of the cells inthe P3-gated region of the SB cell population were CD9+. These CD9+cells that were stained positive by SYTO are named “SB-1 cells.” It wasalso found that about 15% of the cells in the P3 gated region of a SBcell population (FIG. 3) were stained positive for SSEA1+, SSEA4+,CD13+, and/or Stro1+. Almost all of these cells were also stainedpositive by SYTO (FIG. 5). They are named “SB-2 cells.” In contrast,CD235a+ RBCs in the P6-gated region were stained negative by SYTO (FIG.6).

Further, it was found that all SB cell populations tested containedCD349+ cells. Among the CD9+ cells, as high as about 25% of them werealso CD349+. RT-PCR analyses show that stem cells in the SB cellpopulation expressed CD9, CD349, Oct4, and Nanog, but not Sox2 andCXCR4. The primers for RT-PCR are shown below:

GAPDH (SEQ ID NO: 1) F: 5′-AGC TGA ACG GGA AGC TCA CT-3′ (SEQ ID NO: 2)R: 5′-TGC TGT AGC CAA ATT CGT TG-3′ 4-Oct (SEQ ID NO: 3)F: 5′-CTC ACC CTG GGG GTT CTA TT-3′ (SEQ ID NO: 4)R: 5′-CTC CAG GTT GCC TCT CAC TC-3′ Nanog (SEQ ID NO: 5)F: 5′-CAT GAG TGT GGA TCC AGC TTG-3′ (SEQ ID NO: 6)R: 5′-CCT GAA TAA GCA GAT CCA TGG-3′ Sox 2 (SEQ ID NO: 7)F: 5′-TCG GCG CCG GGG AGA TAC AT-3′ (SEQ ID NO: 8)R: 5′-CCC CCG GCG GCA ATA GCA-3′ CD9 (SEQ ID NO: 9)F: 5′-TGCACCAGACCAGTGCAAACATTC-3′ (SEQ ID NO: 10)R: 5′-ACTTGGCTGCTGTCACTTTCATGC-3′ CD349 (SEQ ID NO: 11)F: 5-TGATGAGCTGACTGGGCTTTGCTA-3′ (SEQ ID NO: 12)R: 5′-TGACCATGAGCTTCTCCAGCTTCT-3′ CXCR4 (SEQ ID NO: 13)F: 5′-CCA TTG TCC ACG CCA CCA AC-3′ (SEQ ID NO: 14)R: 5′-TGA GTG CAT GCT GGG CAG AG-3′

Additional analyses of 40 different blood samples by flow cytometry showthat the above-mentioned P3 gated region of the SB cell populationcontained less than 5% of the cells that are CD31+, CXCR4+, CD66+ and/orCD271+. In most of the samples, this region contained less than 1% ofthe cells that are CD66e or CD66a positive, while only three samples hadmore than 2% of the cells that are CD66e or CD66a positive. Thissuggested that the Blastomere-like stem cells are not a major componentof a SB stem cell population. Indeed, it was found that CD9+ orCD9+CD349+ cells are a major component in a SB stem cell population.

Further, it was found that some cells in a SB cell population werepositive for CD90, a marker for mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs); and somewere positive for CD34, a maker for hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs).Yet, these cells accounted for less than 1% of the cells in theabove-mentioned P3-gated region of the SB cell population. In addition,less than 1% of the cells in the above-mentioned P3-gated region of theSB cell population were stained positive for CD133.

Even though a SB cell population may contain the platelets, however, thehalf life of platelets is only 5-9 days. The SB cell population cansurvive in the 4° C. for more than 12 days after withdrawn the blood inEDTA or heparin tube and still has very strong CD9 and CD349 expression.

Interestingly, in one assay, a SB cell population was prepared from an18 year-old patient who had an immune disease. After this sample wasexamined for the above-mentioned stem cell markers, it was found thatthis patient had a higher level of SSEA4, CD66e, CXCR4, SSEA1, Stro1,CD34, CD9, CD349, CD56, or CD184 as compared that of other healthypeople (control level).

EXAMPLE 2

Assays were carried out to demonstrate that SB cells, which, as pointedout above, proliferate, are stem cells capable of differentiating intodifferent cells lineages.

Briefly, a SB cell population was obtained from a subject in the mannerdescribed above. The cells were then cultured in a differentiationmedium. After two weeks, it was found that, in the culture, CD9+CD349+and CD9+CD349− cells formed spheres and the cells of the spheres werepositive for SSEA4 (an ES cell marker), CD66e (a BLSC marker), CD90, andCD73. It was also found that stem cells in a SB cell population formedzygote-like structures and grew into multiple-layers on acollagen-coated plate.

Additional assays were carried out to examine the ability of a SB cellpopulation to further differentiate into ectoderm (e.g., neural cellsand epidermal cells), mesoderm (e.g., adipocytes, osteogenic cells, andmuscle cells), and endoderm cells (e.g., hepatocyte and islet cells).All primers used for detecting differentiation markers with real timeRT-PCR are listed below:

GADPH F: 5′-GAGTCAACGGATTTGGTCGT-3′ (SEQ ID NO: 15)R: 5′-TTGATTTTGGAGGGATCTCG-3′ (SEQ ID NO: 16) GABARF: 5′-TTATCTCACCCCTTCCTTGG-3′ (SEQ ID NO: 17)R: 5′-GCCATCATGTAGCATTCCTG-3′ (SEQ ID NO: 18) HNF4aF: 5′-TGTGAGTGGCCCCGACCCTG-3′ (SEQ ID NO: 19)R: 5′-ACGATTGTGGCGACGGCTCC-3′ (SEQ ID NO: 20) CD44F: 5′-TCGAAGAAGGTGTGGGCAGAAGA-3′ (SEQ ID NO: 21)R: 5′-ATTTCCTGAGACTTGCTGGCCTCT-3′ (SEQ ID NO: 22) AlbuminF: 5′-TGTGAAACACAAGCCCAAGGCA-3′ (SEQ ID NO: 23)R: 5′-CCCTCCTCGGCAAAGCAGGT-3′ (SEQ ID NO: 24) CD10F: 5′-GGTTGGGAGCTGATGAAACT-3′ (SEQ ID NO: 25)R: 5′-GAATAGGGCTGGAACAAGGA-3′ (SEQ ID NO: 26) CD31F: 5′-CAGGCTTCGGCTCAGGCACC-3′ (SEQ ID NO: 27)R: 5′-ATCGGGGCCGGGTGACTTCA-3′ (SEQ ID NO: 28) CD133F: 5′-AGCGATCAAGGAGACCAAAG-3′ (SEQ ID NO: 29)R: 5′-AAGCACAGAGGGTCATTGAG-3′ (SEQ ID NO: 30) CXCR4F: 5′-GTTGGCTGAAAAGGTGGTCT-3 (SEQ ID NO: 31)′R: 5′-CACAACCACCCACAAGTCAT-3′ (SEQ ID NO: 32) NR4A2F: 5′-GCTCAAGGAACCCAAGAGAG-3′ (SEQ ID NO: 33)R: 5′-GGCACCAAGTCTTCCAATTT-3′ (SEQ ID NO: 34) MAP-2F: 5′-CGCACACCAGGCACTCCTGG-3′ (SEQ ID NO: 35)R: 5′-CACCTGGCCTGTGGCGGATG-3′ (SEQ ID NO: 36) NestinF: 5′-TGCCCGGCACTGGGGACTTA-3′ (SEQ ID NO: 37)R: 5′-TAGCGGGCCAGGCCTCTCAG-3′ (SEQ ID NO: 38) N-CamF: 5′-CTCCAGCACAGCCCAGGTGC-3′ (SEQ ID NO: 39)R: 5′-TGCTGGCTTCCTTGGCATCATGC-3′ (SEQ ID NO: 40) TauF: 5′-AAGATCGGCTCCACTGAGAA-3′ (SEQ ID NO: 41)R: 5′-GGACGTGGGTGATATTGTCC-3′ (SEQ ID NO: 42) InsulinF: 5′-AGCCTTTGTGAACCAACACC-3′ (SEQ ID NO: 43)R: 5′-GCTGGTAGAGGGAGCAGATG-3′ (SEQ ID NO: 44) TransferrinF: 5′-GAGGCCACTAAGTGCCAGAG-3′ (SEQ ID NO: 45)R: 5′-TTCTTCACCACAGCAACAGC-3′ (SEQ ID NO: 46) a-feto proteinF: 5′-AAATGCGTTTCTCGTTGCTT-3′ (SEQ ID NO: 47)R: 5′-GCCACAGGCCAATAGTTTGT-3′ (SEQ ID NO: 48) CD105F: 5′-CACTAGCCAGGTCTCGAAGG-3′ (SEQ ID NO: 49)R: 5′-CTGAGGACCAGAAGCACCTC-3′ (SEQ ID NO: 50) TyrosineF: 5′-GCTCAGGAGCTATGCCTCAC-3′ (SEQ ID NO: 51) HydroxylaseR: 5′-ACCTAGCCAATGGCACTCAG-3′ (SEQ ID NO: 52) Neurofilament-MF: 5′-AAGTCAGACCAAGCCGAAGA-3′ (SEQ ID NO: 53)R: 5′-GCACAGGAGACTTGCCTTTC-3′ (SEQ ID NO: 54) Myosin heavyF: 5′-GCTGGAGTCCTCACAGAAGG-3′ (SEQ ID NO: 55) chain alpha 6R: 5′-TCTCCAGCTCATGCACATTC-3′ (SEQ ID NO: 56) (cardiomyocyte)Myosin light chain F: 5′-TTCAGTGCTGACCAGATTGC-3′ (SEQ ID NO: 57)1 fast (skeletal R: 5′-AAATGGCTTGCATCATAGGC-3′ (SEQ ID NO: 58) myocyte)Osteocalcin (OC) F: 5′-TGAGAGCCCTCACACTCCTC-3′ (SEQ ID NO: 59)R: 5′-TCAGCCAACTCGTCACAGTC-3′ (SEQ ID NO: 60)

A SB cell population from bone marrow was induced to express nestin, anearly marker for formation of neuron (ectoderm) and islet cells(endoderm). Briefly, a SB cell population was cultured in a standardmedium for two to four weeks and then switched into an induction mediumthat contains 10 nM glucocorticoid and 10% FBS. After 1-month treatment,RNA was extracted and gene expression was determined by Real Time PCR.Expression of nestin was detected by RT-PCR with a primer pair: SEQ IDNOs: 37 and 38.

Endoderm cells are characterized by their polygonal shapes. Expressionof two hepatocyte markers (transferrin and albumin) and three islet cellmarkers (insulin, alpha-Fetoprotein, and HNF4 alpha) were detected. Inaddition, both Western blot and ELISA also detected expression ofalbumin in differentiated cells. These results indicate that stem cellsin a SB cell population were differentiated into hepatocytes and somewere differentiated into islet cells.

Ectoderm cells are characterized by their filament-like feature.Differentiation of stem cells in a SB cell population to neuronal cellswas confirmed by real time RT-PCR, which detected expression of manyneuronal markers, including CD133, nestin, microtubule-associate proteinII, GABA receptor, NR4A2, N-cam, tyrosine hydroxylase, neurofilament,and Tau.

Further, a SB cell population from blood was induced to differentiateinto adipocytes or osteogenic cells, i.e., mesoderm cells. Morespecifically, SB cell populations from the blood of two donors, donor 29and donor 32 were cultured in media A, B, C, D, and E sequentially.Then, the medium was replaced by an adipocyte differentiation medium(Invitrogen) for 8 weeks. The adipocytes were stained using Oil-red-Oand detected in an OD490 ELISA spectrophotometer. Donor 29 had anunusual high cell count of the SB cell population, which resulted in ahigh count of adipocytes. Alternatively, the medium was replaced by anosteogenesis medium (Invitrogen). Osteogenic cells were observed 2-4weeks after the medium replacement. Osteogenic cells were stained withAlizarin Red, and detected by extracting from the cells Alizarin Red,which was measured at OD 405 nm in a spectrophotometer.

For induction to other mesoderm cells, stem cells in a SB cellpopulation were cultured in the medium that contained 10 nMglucocorticoid and 10% FBS. After 1-month treatment, RNA was extractedfrom the cells, and expression of several genes was determined by RealTime PCR. Detectable expression of myosin heavy chain and skeletalmyosin light chain indicates that stem cells in a SB cell populationwere differentiated to cardiomyocyte and skeletal muscle cells.

A SB cell population, like ES cells, could proliferate/grow on top ofMEF feeder cells and form sphere on them. Also, like ES cells, undersimilar conditions, a SB cell population could give rise different typedof cells and form zygote like structures of self-cleavages of cells.

The above results suggest that a SB cell population is normallyquiescent in tissues. Upon receipt a signal, e.g., an injury, they areactivated and differentiate into suitable tissues to repair the damagedtissues. Thus, a SB cell population contains adult pluripotent stemcells and can be used for gene therapy, gene banking, drug screening,and creating universal donor cells. Also, these cells could be used totreat degenerative diseases, autoimmune diseases, or cancer.

EXAMPLE 3

Assays were carried out to examine the role of divalent cation chelatingagent EDTA on stem cells in a SB cell population, including SB-1 cells.

Briefly, SB cell populations were obtained from a subject using an EDTAtube and a heparin tube, respectively, in the manner described inExample 1 above. The numbers of SB cells in the two populations weredetermined by a standard method. The results are shown below:

SB cells EDTA tube 200 × 10⁶/ml Heparin tube  10 × 10⁶/mlThe percentages of cells/particles of 1-6.0 μm in an EDTA tube and aheparin tube were about 5.8% and 0.2%, respectively. The results suggestthat EDTA increased the number of SB-1 cells.

Further, a SB cell population prepared with the heparin tube was dividedinto two samples. One was incubated with an EDTA-containing medium(“Heparin+EDTA”); the other was incubated with EDTA-free control medium(“Heparin”). After 3 days of culturing, the ratio of small cells (<3 μm)in the two samples were determined. The ratio of large cells (>3 μm) inthe two samples were also obtained. The results are shown below:

“Heparin + EDTA”: “Heparin” Small Cells 161:40 Large Cells  10:8These results demonstrate that, in the presence of EDTA, the number ofsmall cells in a SB cell population increased by more than 300%(161:40); in contract, the number of the large cells (i.e., non-SBcells) increased by only 25% (10:8).

Cell cytomety data from one subject also demonstrated that EDTAincreased CD9+/SB-1 cells' numbers in a sample from 39.5% to 65.1% inthe above-mentioned P3 gated region of the SB cell population. Incontrast, a SB cell population prepared using a heparin tube had muchhigher percentages of the cells that are SSEA1+ and CD66e+, i.e., 2-10%.

The increase in the cell/particle number in the EDTA tube was possiblydue to an increase in the number of platelets and microparticles.Indeed, EDTA can prevent platelets and microparticles from formingaggregation, which would precipitate. To rule out this possibility, a SBcell population prepared from the heparin tube was incubated with EDTAfor 48-72 hours before cell cytomety was conducted. It was found thatthe increase in the particle number was almost from the stem cells, thesizes of which were in the range between 1 μm and 6.0 μm. The cellnumber increased by 50%.

To further purify the CD9+ cells (or to remove the platelets andmicroparticles), a SB cell population prepared from an EDTA tube wasincubated with ADP for about 24 hours. It was found that CD9+CD349+cells were further enriched by this ADP incubation. CD9+CD349+ cellsaccounted for 15.9% of the cells in the above-mentioned P3-gated regionof the SB cell population that had been incubated with ADP; in contrast,CD9+CD349+ cells only accounted for 9.9% of the cells in theabove-mentioned P3-gated region of the SB cell population that had notbeen incubated with ADP.

The results also show that EDTA specifically increased the number ofSB-1 cells, which were smaller than 6.0 μm and stained positive forCD9+, not CD66e+ or SSEA4+ cells. The mechanism relates to that EDTA'sability to repress p53's function (presumably by chelating Zn++),thereby allowing stem cells to exist from the G0 quiescence stage and toenter the cell cycle G1. As the p53 protein requires Zn++ to foldproperly and form a functional protein, chelating Zn++ by EDTA would bea key step to activate the stem cells. It is possible that EDTA canchelate other divalent ions and thereby activates stem cells that are inG0 phase and forces the stem cells to proliferate and expand.

EXAMPLE 4

As discussed below, determining the cell count of the SB cell populationcan be used to evaluate a subject's risk of having an ageing-relateddisorder or cancer.

According to flow cytometry, two healthy men who were more than 50 yearsold both had percentages of CD349+ cells in the above-mentioned P3-gatedregion of the SB cell population lower than 15%, i.e., 12.0% and 4.2%,respectively. In contrast, the percentages of CD349+ cells in the SBcell population in two healthy men younger than 25 were both higher than15%, i.e., 18.6 and 22.9%, respectively. These results show that younghealthy subjects each have a relative higher cell count of the SB cellpopulation, as compared with that in old healthy subjects. Thisage-related decrease compromises the subject's stem cell-basedabilities, including the ability to repair tissue after an injury.

As also determined by flow cytometry, SSEA4+ cells accounted for 35.6%of the cells in the above-mentioned P3-gated region of the SB cellpopulation isolated from a young cancer survivor. This cell count ismuch higher than the average of a group of healthy young people. Basedon this higher-than-average SSEA4 content, it is predicted that thissubject has an excellent ability to repair injure tissue and a high riskof develop cancer. This evaluation is corroborated by (1) the subject'shistory of good repair ability, including quick recoveries from an eyeLasik surgery and an abdomen surgery and by (1) the subject's history ofcancer. The similar evaluation can be made using the CD9+ cellsdisclosed herein.

The above results suggest that stem cells (e.g., SSEA4+ cells/SB-2 orCD9+/SB-1 cells) in a SB cell population, prepared using theabove-described heparin tube, can be used as a biomarker for in vivodrug screening, prognosis for recovering from an injury or an infection,and cancer diagnosis. A high level of the SSEA4+ or CD9+ cells indicatethat a subject has a young developmental status with a better ability torepair tissue damage, recover from an injury, and defend pathogens. Onthe other hand, it is positively correlated with a higher risk of havingcancer.

EXAMPLE 5

In an in vivo cell tracking assay, 10⁶ cells from a SB cell population,isolated from a human bone marrow sample, were injected intravenously tothe tail of a SCID mouse (experimental SCID mouse). As a control, PBSwas injected intravenously to the tail of a SCID mouse (control SCIDmouse). After 30, 60, and 90 days, bone marrow, blood, and muscle werecollected from both experimental and control SCID mice. The mouse bonemarrow samples were analyzed using flow cytometry. The results show thatMSC markers (i.e., human CD105, EGF receptor, Stro1, and CXCR1), a BLSCmarker (i.e., CEA), and a very small embryonic-link stem cell (VSEL)marker (i.e., CD133) were detected by flow cytometry in the experimentalSCID mouse, but not in the control SCID mouse. These results suggestthat BLSCs, VSELs, and MSCs are down stream of the stem cells in a SBcell population. In addition, RNA extracted from the mouse musclesamples was analyzed by RT-PCR. Human myogenic factor 4, SM22, Pax7, andGAPDH were detected by real time RT-PCR. All primers used for detectingmuscle markers with real time RT-PCR are listed below:

GADPH F: 5′-GAGTCAACGGATTTGGTCGT-3′ (SEQ ID NO: 15)R: 5′-TTGATTTTGGAGGGATCTCG-3′ (SEQ ID NO: 16) PAX7F: 5′-CGACTCCGGATGTAGAGAAA-3′ (SEQ ID NO: 61)R: 5′-TTCCCGAACTTGATTCTGAG-3′ (SEQ ID NO: 62) MyogeninF: 5′-CAGTGCCATCCAGTACATCG-3′ (SEQ ID NO: 63) factor 4R: 5′-AGGTTGTGGGCATCTGTAGG-3′ (SEQ ID NO: 64) (skeletal) SM22F: 5′-TGATTCTGAGCAAGCTGGTG-3′ (SEQ ID NO: 65) (Transgelin)R: 5′-CGGTAGTGCCCATCATTCTT-3′ (SEQ ID NO: 66)

OTHER EMBODIMENTS

All of the features disclosed in this specification may be combined inany combination. Each feature disclosed in this specification may bereplaced by an alternative feature serving the same, equivalent, orsimilar purpose. Thus, unless expressly stated otherwise, each featuredisclosed is only an example of a generic series of equivalent orsimilar features.

A number of embodiments of the invention have been described.Nevertheless, it will be understood that various modifications may bemade without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.Accordingly, other embodiments are within the scope of the followingclaims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method of treating a disorder, the methodcomprising: administering to a subject in need thereof a compositionthat contains a population of somatic stem cells that are less than 6.0micrometers in size and CD9+, CD349+, CD133−, CD90−, CD34−, SSEA1+,SSEA4+, CD13+, or Stro1+; wherein the disorder is an autoimmune disorderor inflammatory disorder, and wherein the population of somatic stemcells are obtained by a procedure including: incubating a blood or bonemarrow sample with EDTA in a container until the sample is separatedinto an upper layer and a lower layer; and collecting the upper layer,wherein the upper layer contains the population of somatic stem cells.2. The method of claim 1, wherein the population of somatic stem cellsare CD9+, CD349+, and CD133−.
 3. The method of claim 1, wherein theadministering step is performed by injecting the composition to thesubject intravenously.
 4. The method of claim 3, wherein the compositioncontains 1×10⁶˜10¹¹ of the somatic stem cells.
 5. The method of claim 1,wherein the bodily fluid sample is a human sample.
 6. The method ofclaim 5, wherein the bodily fluid sample is obtained from the subject.7. The method of claim 1, wherein the disorder is diabetes.
 8. A methodof obtaining a population of somatic stem cells, comprising: incubatinga blood or bone marrow sample with EDTA or heparin in a container untilthe sample is separated into an upper layer and a lower layer; andcollecting the upper layer, wherein the upper layer contains apopulation of somatic stem cells that are less than 6.0 micrometers insize and are CD9+, CD349+, CD133, CD90−, CD34−, SSEA1+, SSEA4+, CD13+,or Stro1+.
 9. The method of claim 8, wherein the bodily fluid sample isa human sample.
 10. The method of claim 8, further comprising isolatingthe population of somatic stem cells from the upper layer.